William Thomas Francis

William (Bill) Thomas Francis, age 79 of Russia, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at his home surrounded by his spouse and 7 children. He was the oldest child of Thomas and Corrine (Puthoff) Francis and was born in Greenville, Ohio on December 8, 1946, and was baptized at St Remy Catholic Church in Russia, Ohio. He graduated from Russia Local High School in 1964 and the University of Dayton in 1968 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He served in the United States Air Force Reserves. Immediately after graduating from college, he began working with his father at Francis Manufacturing and worked there for 57 years until his passing. Bill married Mary Lou Sherman, daughter of Bill and Sally (Garman) Sherman, on November 30, 1968, at Holy Angels Church in Sidney, Ohio. They are the parents of 7 children: Tommy (Pauli) Francis, of Russia, Ohio, Shane (Merrin) Francis, of Tampa, Florida, Dr. Josh (Jana) Francis, of Russia, Ohio, Chris (Annie) Francis, of Russia, Ohio, Angel (Shane) Borchers, of Russia, Ohio, Cameo (Craig) Monnin, of Russia, Ohio, and Cassie (Wes) Thieman, of Minster, Ohio.His 33 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa, are: Abe and Paige Francis (Scarlett and Georgia), Levi and Kathryn Francis (Valerian, Hildegard, and Franziska), Bailey and Maggie Francis, Sawyer Francis, Thomasina Francis (Oliver), Xavier and Maddie Francis, Mya Francis, Rayme Francis, Verena Francis, Will Francis, Sophie Francis, Felix Francis, Hazel Francis, Ruby Francis, Henry Francis, Riley Francis, Paxson Francis, Dominic Francis, Lily Francis, Cece Borchers, Vince Borchers, Celeste Borchers, Augie Borchers, Louise Borchers, Julius Monnin, Mary Lou Monnin, Luca Monnin, Remi Monnin, Rocco Monnin, Willa Thieman, Britton Thieman, Behr Thieman, and Geneva Thieman.Bill’s siblings are Kathy and Dale Nichols, Jim and Shirley Shenk, Dave and Clarice Francis, Pat and Susan (dec.) Francis, Renee and Jay Purpus, and Brad and Missy Francis. In-laws are Delores and Richard (dec.) Arceci, Barbara and Joe (dec.) Ciriegio, and Jake and Irene Sherman. Bill took tremendous pride in his children and grandchildren. In addition to being a lifelong business owner and foundryman, he was a man of eclectic passions and interests including fishing, native Ohio trees and arboriculture, taking care of his expansive estate and grounds, crafting stained-glass windows, collecting Case pocketknives and chess sets, and spending time outdoors. He was a faithful member and long-time lector at St. Remy Catholic Church, loved the Russia Community, and was involved in numerous organizations, associations, and philanthropic endeavors. Funeral services will be held at St. Remy Catholic Church on Friday, January 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Interment is at St. Remy Cemetery. A luncheon will follow. Friends may call at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Russia from 2 to 7 PM on Thursday and from 9 to 10 AM on Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to R.A.C.K. in Russia. Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.